On This Day in 1977: Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham Charged with Assault at Oakland Coliseum, Settles for $2 Million
via Drum Tracks / YouTube
The Violent Backstage Clash
On July 23, 1977, during Led Zeppelin’s “Day on the Green” concert at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, trouble broke out after the show. Tensions had been rising all day between the band’s security team and promoter Bill Graham’s crew. A clash started when promoter staff prevented 11‑year‑old Warren Grant—son of manager Peter Grant—from removing a dressing‑room sign, leading to a confrontation. Graham’s guard Jim Matzorkis allegedly slapped young Warren, and John Bonham intervened, kicking the guard.
Minutes later, manager Peter Grant and bodyguard John Bindon entered a trailer and assaulted Matzorkis and stage‑crew chief Jim Downey. According to reports, Bindon “knocked Downey unconscious,” and Matzorkis “was brutally beaten.”
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Arrests and Legal Charges
The next day, Bonham, Grant, tour manager Richard Cole, and Bindon were arrested at their hotel and charged with misdemeanor assault. Promoter Bill Graham filed a civil lawsuit seeking $2 million in damages for his employees.
The defendants pleaded nolo contendere in February 1978, which means they didn’t admit guilt but accepted punishment. They received suspended sentences and fines—Bindon paid $300, while Bonham, Grant, and Cole each paid $200.
Civil Lawsuit and Settlement
Though legal battles dragged on for months, the band’s lawyers defended their clients vigorously. They claimed the incidents were accidents caused by negligent promoters’ staff and said Bonham and the others acted in self‑defense.
Secret settlement talks began late in 1977. Led Zeppelin’s team aimed to secure a written retraction from the crew, calling the incident a “confusion” owing to the chaotic backstage area. Initial offers around $37,500 were rejected.
Finally, the civil suit was dismissed in December 1978 after an undisclosed settlement—believed to be far less than $2 million. A confidentiality clause remains in effect.
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Effects on Led Zeppelin
The incident had serious repercussions. Press coverage portrayed the band as volatile and aggressive. The group never returned to the U.S. following this tour. Bonham was also showing signs of heavy drinking, and tensions were high among band members.
Tragically, just days later Robert Plant’s five‑year‑old son Karac died, prompting the band to cancel the rest of the tour. The Oakland incident marked the end of their American live appearances.
Bonham’s Role and Reputation
John Bonham, known for his powerful drumming, defended Grant’s son in the fracas. Bev Bevan of ELO later said: Bonham “was an extrovert, a friendly, huggable bloke. But unfortunately the drink just got too much for him … he could become quite aggressive.”
Though the assault charge did not alter his musical legacy, it added a controversial episode to his life. Still, Led Zeppelin’s reputation for excess was firmly reinforced.
